Duration and frequency of betel quid chewing affects periodontitis severity and life quality of people in Tanini Village, Kupang, Indonesia

BACKGROUND: Chewing betel nuts can increase the risk of periodontal disease severity and potentially become malignant in the oral cavity.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the duration and frequency of betel quid chewing behaviour on periodontitis severity and the life quality of people in Tanini Village, Kupang Regency, Indonesia.

METHODS: The type of this study was an analytic observational study with a cross-sectional design. We used a questionnaire to obtain sociodemographic data. Oral Health Survey Basic Methods were used to measure debris index, plaque index, bleeding on probing, loss of attachment, and pocket depth. Behaviour and quality of life were measured by questionnaire and WHOQOL-BREF method as well.

RESULTS: The largest number of respondents were male. Duration of chewing had a significant relationship with the frequency of chewing and periodontal status. Periodontitis was higher compared to all categories. The lifestyle of the community greatly influenced their behaviour in betel nut chewing and also affected the severity of their periodontitis and OHIs significantly.

CONCLUSION: The lifestyle of betel nut chewing of the people in Tanini Village, greatly influences their behaviour. Prolonged and excessive use of betel nut induced significant adverse effects on human health. The longer and more often chew betel or areca nut, the higher the incidence of periodontitis, which significantly affects the quality of life as there is a possibility of the development of carcinogenesis, particularly in the oral cavity.